As a way of continuing the lifelong advocacy efforts of the late Eunice K. Fiorito to improve the well-being of blind and visually impaired people, Mrs. Fiorito’s family has announced the establishment of a program that will (as long as funds are available) give a low-vision reading aid identified as the Max Digital Magnifier to deserving agencies, libraries, schools or other organizations which serve visually impaired people in their communities. During her lifetime Eunice Fiorito worked tirelessly to publicize and implement opportunities for blind and other disabled people to guarantee their rights as fully participating citizens. Before her death in late 1999 she held major positions in, among many other organizations, the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, American Council of the Blind and Disabled Persons International. (See the memorial article about Eunice Fiorito in the January 2000 issue of “The Braille Forum.”)
The Max Digital Magnifier, which is produced by Enhanced Vision Systems of California, is a handheld camera, approximately the size of a computer mouse, which displays text on a TV set and can magnify print from 16 to 28 times on a 20-inch screen. The manufacturer lists its features as variable contrast (black on white or white on black), capability of magnifying print on any surface (curved or flat), variable magnification, distortion-free images, portability and capability of being used easily by either right or left hand as it slides or rolls across the page being read. Service agencies, libraries, schools or other organizations wishing to obtain the Max Digital Magnifier should submit a request by hard copy letter to Mr. James Fiorito, 205 Yoakum Pkwy. #1226, Alexandria, VA 22304-3800. The letter must include the following information: 1) name, complete address and telephone number of applicant organization; 2) name and title of principal contact person; 3) brief summary of history, mission and programs of applicant organization; 4) number of blind or low-vision people served during a typical year; 5) a brief statement as to how the Max Digital Magnifier would be used to benefit the greatest number of people possible; 6) the federal tax exemption number of the applicant organization with a copy of its tax exemption notice or, if applicant is a governmental entity, a statement identifying the department or division of which it is a part.
Applicants that are approved to receive a Max Digital Magnifier will receive the unit directly from the factory.